Staff Reporter
The website, launched recently, allows real estate agents to reach new clients through short video introductions.
Video Carrot allows small business individuals to upload one-minute videos introducing themselves and the services they offer.
The site is open to over 70 different service categories, including real estate agents, tradespeople, financial advisers, hairdressers, professionals and tutors.
Businesses can create a profile alongside their video, which includes a biography, an overview of their services, packages and pricing, contact details and social networking feeds.
Video Carrot founder Luke Burrows said the site provides an effective new way for businesses to reach their local market online.
“The focus of Video Carrot is not on flashy, expensive videos or professionally made ads,” he said.
“Our site features short, simple videos that provide a personal introduction from service providers.
“This is the ideal video format to engage potential clients who want to hear directly from the individual offering the service.
“Through video, businesses can build a level of trust and confidence with people not possible through a written profile.”
Recent research from Visible Measures has shown short videos work best, with approximately 40 per cent of viewers switching off the average video after 60 seconds.
To help businesses structure their videos and deliver the right messages, the site features a script builder with a variety of templates.
Video Carrot also provides businesses with a range of 'how to' filming guides tailored to smartphones, iPhones and iPads, video cameras, still cameras and webcams. The guides offer helpful tips and tricks on lighting, sound, editing and choosing the right location.
Mr Burrows said Video Carrot aimed to make video marketing simple for small service businesses.
“With our script-building tools we make it easy for businesses to create a script in under five minutes,” he said.
“We emphasise speaking naturally and being yourself in front of the camera, which is generally more effective than an aggressive sales approach.
“By using our free 'how to' filming guides, businesses can get great results using just their smartphone.
“This would not have been possible several years ago, but technology has improved rapidly in recent times and high quality HD cameras are now becoming standard in smartphones.”
Video Carrot is currently offering a free three-month introductory trial. During this time, businesses have access to all features of the site and can view real-time statistics on the number of people who have viewed their profile.